CNC vs Laser. Which Should You Get First? 

"Science is magic that works". Ha love it and thanks for the shoutout!

I own both a Boss 100 watt laser and a Camaster Stinger cnc machine. You have really nailed the pros and cons very well. I bought the laser machine first and it was both easy to learn and fun. after 2 years I bought the cnc machine. Well that is very different all together. It will do more than the laser will but the learning curve ( bits to use, wood to use, depths etc.) is 1000 times more difficult unless all you want to make are personalized cutting boards:) I can make a lot on it now but it is overwhelming in the first year.

“Fillet of fish” is my favorite commentary in this one 😊

David, you were extremely funny in this, both the overt jesting, and the Easter eggs many would have missed.

Sitch is short but explaining it is not …. wasting time😉 great video

The most informative AND entertaining video I have watched in a VERY long time! Thank you , David!

Fallopian Tube replacement is SUPER expensive. Thanks for the vid.

tks, very helpful to understand, its change my mind to go for CNC. tks a lot

I learned a bunch watching this, I haven't really looked into lasers so I didn't know what differences there were other than it uses a laser to cut

Can’t WAIT to send people with questions to this video. Great work, David!

crotch smells, WWII landmines, this video is full of nuggets of amazing knowledge

I've been looking at this topic lately and this is great timing! Cheers!

Awesome presentation. You have a natural gift to draw the attention to the topic throughout the whole presentation. And it answered plenty of my questions. Thanks heaps, Ray from 🇦🇺

Just wow, having both in my garage I can't imagine a better content than what you just delivered. Amazing comparison, super good feedback. Great job David. Btw I know fume extractors are expensive (and definitely needed) but building one is a really fun project I went through while acquiring my FSL Gen5. Can be done for less than $200 for a laser of 45W (anything more powerful imo requires an industrial extractor).

I highly recommend anyone using a CNC router to begin using Fusion 360. That software not only handles the design and guide, but includes a nice customizable library feature of bits that would solve your problem as well

The fallopian tube line got me... David this video was so dang funny!

Thank you for a very honest overview. As someone nervous about jumping into the deep end of this pool, I love your perspective. Great humor as well, kept my attention throughout.

An organisation i used to be a member of had one of the common 60W chinese laser, they were able to just get the tube and replace it themselves, and there's some recalibration, yours may be different but worth researching.

Great video. I have a Shapeoko, and my next step is to upgrade my Shapeoko with a laser. However, safety comes first with proper air circulation since there will be a lot of smoke

Great video. Was leaning towards the laser, but now thinking cnc. Thanks

the "filet of fishes" made me spit out my yogurt 🤣

This is the first of your videos I have caught. I was following another guy that really struggled with talking about specific things to look out for, but rather used the "you learn by breaking stuff" as a bandaid for what he didn't know. Yeah. I don't need to watch a 45 minute vid to know that. 😶😒 That said, I'm leaning into starting with the laser. My thinking is that being able to work with glittery materials, or whatever really catches an eye, might be my start, but the CNC really would need to go in second and not with much delay. I am going to start begging for my money from the government. There is good support through our Social Security office (I'm a 65 yo with a disability), which is kean to get those 65 and healthy back into the workforce, thus not having to pay out monthly benefits. I'm also interested in developing retail avenues for different types of demographics, if I can get all of that together plus import some selected items, I could have a well-rounded assortment of items. But that is so getting the cart before the horse! All of that will take hard numbers, presentation of my products, cost vs. net retail, and all of the support systems to make this fly. There's a thousand "ifs, no-s and maybes" to all of this, but I also have experience going back decades about product selection, marketing products in compelling ways. It is such a grind running someone else's business, especially retailers that blunder. I spent years thinking that I didn't know what I was doing, not why I have had to run from a job to cash my last paycheck before they went under. As any entrepreneur will tell you, "if my business goes under, it was under my helm."

Great video. Opened my newbie eyes to the cnc/ laser world

Lots of information in this video! Currently I’m leaning towards the CNC, but I may wait until I can see the Ken Burns 10-part series and for your Uncle Joey’s next trip to Indianapolis. Thanks for putting out this video. I’m sure it’s helping a lot of makers.

What an excellent overview on these machines, I have finally got some knowledge now. So well explained, without all the B.S. Thank you very much.

The short answer to "should I get the CNC Router or CNC Laser Cutter?" is both... allow me to explain. The Stepcraft M-1000 pictured at 0:23 can do both... you can have a nice 2 x 4 desktop CNC with an ATC and awesome gantry clearance AAAND Stepcraft also sells the Laser module, the 3D printer module, the tangential knife module, the drawing/pen module... etc for the same machine.

you can import bit libraries into vectric software tool base.

If you are using a vacuum table, then you should use foam gasket to hold your parts down. Route your part into the mdf table and gasket the inside of the cut lines. You can then drill vacuum holes into the board. When finished you can use cork to plug the holes and move onto the next job. Use at least a 7,000 spindle speed to 12,000 max spindle speed for acrylic and polycarbonate. Mdf cuts good at about 6,500 spindle speed. If it’s 1/2 inch thick you’ll need multiple passes for a cleaner edge.

I have both (80W eBay laser and a Onefinity Woodworker). I would probably recommend the CNC first, unless you have a specific project that really requires the laser. The quality+work area vs the price of each tilts heavily in favor of the CNC. If you want a laser that cuts bigger than a 2'x2' square, you're probably going to need at minimum a 130 watt Chinese laser ($6k+), and you'll spend many times more than that for a better brand tool with customer support. That said, I've only had the CNC for a few months, dust collection on the CNC seems to be a huge pain point for me so far.

I so appreciate your approach to your videos. Of course you want to do it faster whatever the task where some of us enjoy all the tasks a bit more. Thanks again and keep them coming, videos that is.....

I have a small desktop CNC Router and I wish I had a Laser instead for rapid prototyping.

Fantastic comparison, Dave! Thanks a lot! 😃 This is going to help a lot! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

You can create your own tool library by downloading the feeds and speeds from Amana/tools today and uploading them into your csd/cam. Again you'll have to adjust them for the strength of the m1000 but you get the general idea from the manufacturer

Honestly I believe you would be happy with either one. You can do so many things on those machines if you got them set up properly. I only have a laser cutter, and it's such a great addition to my shop. The main thing I love about lasers in contrast to CNCs is the relatively low amount of mess they cause. I don't get why people would get mad over this - can't we just have some fun?

LOVED this video; you were on fire! Please keep bringing that wonderful sense of humor to your work; it’s so refreshing! Thanks for all you do!

Thought I misheard you when you mentioned replacing the Fallopian tube. 😁

Cool bits! CNC the tool I didn't know I needed.

This is very informational and seriously funny at the same time love it and thanks for the laughs.

Love all the pros and cons you mentioned.

😄 🤣 I'm guessing you're uncle Joey's favourite nephew!!!

Red sweatshirt and blue T-shirt… the host like person is messing with us again. I love my CNC router but would like to change it out. I am looking at lasers looking at k40/k60 machines trying to find one with a good bed size. The glowforge has really lit the world on fire but is more expensive than I want to invest. Thank you for all the different ways that you bring us content!

My interests involve engineering more than art. As such, the laser cutter comes in handy more often. You get sharp internal corners, less wasted material due to very thib cuts, and you don't have to worry about leaving tabs.

Thanks for the deep (well, deep for me) dive into the pros and cons. Here's my question: which did you use to create the Ken Burns mask?🤣🤣🤣 Love your puns and sense of humor!

Wow. Thank you very much for organising it.

This view as very informative, I recommend it 105%

CNC Cookbook software allows you to manage a tool library with speeds and feeds calculators etc. It’s pretty good. Bob woodward... good guy.

Very good info. Earns a solid nch nch of approval -Jerry

This was really helpful, thanks! I def have plans to get a CNC or Laser at some point.

For a home gamer I got a $300 Chineseum laser cutterish and an older lightly used xcarve and carvewright. Less expensive options that do really well.

Shower thought: Can you use your laser to engrave the recommended rates onto the bit shanks?

Best comment @5:02!!

I always wondered why a vacuum table was called a vacuum table! 😜🤣

Why anyone would spend over $6k on a 45watt laser with a 2"x12"x20" cutting capacity totally amazes me. You can get a Thunder Laser or Aeon for that kind of money.

I've been pondering this question myself, super helpful information, great video Dave!

Useful information as I am debating which one to get.

80% + 10% + 15% haha you said it with such a straight face I almost missed that little joke. Very informative and honest thanks

MDF is a SOB. This is great. I've been trying to decide for a while

Btw, nice video... Thanks for the break down. I just need to know what I would make most to see what to get first.

Thanks for the info. I'm not that trilled with my 10w laser. I'm now thinking router.

Absolutely brilliant and fun video! Thank you so much! Great job

Super useful information here. Also had me rolling the whole time. 🤣 Neither of these is on my radar right now, but I appreciate having the info for future reference. I always learn something from your vids (that's videos, just saving time). Thanks for sharing!

I really agree with all the pros and cons. I had a laser, I did miss a CNC. Now I have a CNC and not using the laser anymore. CNC have a larger learning curve in terms of feeds and speeds, but once you understand, its awesome.

I think CNC brand has a big part to do with it's ease of use, there are some out there that have very easy to use software that they've customized for their machines. I bought a Shapeoko, and while it's maybe not the most advanced in terms of accessories and features (like cutting beneath the level of the machine), it's software is a breeze to get started with, and some niceties like clamping and dust collection are baked into their basic design. Haven't looked back and would recommend for someone looking for an easy, reasonably priced good quality CNC.

Amana has a tool database available for free download on their website. It has ALMOST all of their bits. It can be imported into Vectric or Fusion.

For your bit library: Create a spreadsheet with info needed then save as PDF. You should not have any issues viewing on your phone.

Tools today has libraries for your bits. Both fusion and aspire. Not for everything but, almost. Amana for sure has everything for you

Cypher from The Matrix got plugged back in and is doing great. He now does woodworking.

David: "Use the comment section below." Also David: "make something" My teenage subconscious:"You don't tell me!"

I have all my collections in notion databases. It saves me from accidentally purchasing the same item by mistake. Easy to setup, search and manage.

Here is the dome, back with the bass The jam is live in effect and I don't waste time On the mic with a dope rhyme Jump to the rhythm, jump, jump to the rhythm jump

Great info. Thank you for pros and cons of both.

You summed it up well.

With a laser. You can cut peices scaled up or down for a 3d puzzle that comes in flat peices...stack em and its dope I've done it plenty

notion is a good app you can use to keep all sorts of information. I use it to organize everything in my life actually lol

Great video! I was wondering what is the best budget friendly either CNC or laser to get started with on a budget something well under $1000 and hopefully under 500 thanks

CNC = Computer Numerical Code Thank you for the explanations and comparison. I liked it all except for the smell section... ick.

7:18 - Some of us are born with the ability to tune in the laser and set up material in a way to not burn the edges 🙂

Thanks, David!

I thought this was a woodworking channel, not a 'let the computer make my thing' channel /sarc Love it Dave, very informative. Either way, you'd better know what you want to do with it before you buy either. Inspiration won't hit just because you shelled out buckazoids.

Good info and well presented. (Info= information. It saves me time. 😜). Thanks for doing this.

I really enjoy the overview and info!

I like the App idea. You could use MS Access to create a database that has all of the bits stored. Where would you get the details for the speeds and such for each bit? I might be onto something.

I heard those co2 laser tubes and their PSUs live for many years, when you stay below their maximum power ratings. I first had a diode laser cutter and decided to extend its oomph with an 80 watt co2 tube which I never run at more than round about 60 watts. That is more than enough in most cases. For fine engravings I can switch back to the diode head. My machine is still quite new, so I will see if RU-vid was right about that "stay below max power" thing....

If you had to make a laser cutter on the CNC or a CNC on a laser, why is raven like a writing desk?

Very informative Dave! I'd choose the laser and make router templates, so you get a bit of CNC in der too

love my Shaper Origin!!

bonus points for the Bon Jovi comment

I like the new talking head corner

Not trolling just curious. What did you mean by smells like cancer. Personally I been fighting it for several years now and know a lot of different smells. Are you a fellow warrior? I have been watching a lot of your videos and appreciate them. Right now I am not quite healthy enough to make, so I’m mostly just planning and designing future projects. I did purchase a shaper a few years ago because I have extremely limited space. Right now I’m on blood thinners and my wife has band me from cutting basically. The shaper does require a lot of physical effort, and part of me wishes I purchased a laser or standard CNC machine.

Great video and nice to see one that was honest and unbiased. What if you can, would you recommend as an entry level or starter laser? Thanks

Great video, thank you. I would like to buy one of those machines and trying to learn all I can. Question, is your uncle that has odor problems Joe Pantoliano who played in the movie Matrix? You remind me of him, including your actions. Not a bad thing. Be BLESSED.

For the library of your bits, are you just talking about a database with a user interface? Or do you mean something that connects to your CNC?

Fusion can capture the library of endmills and their suggested feeds/speeds/chipload. Stepcraft at some level offers an ATC. Super awesome. They make plastic pin nails just in case you hadn’t seen them. Then it won’t matter if you hit them with the endmill.

You own a laser and cnc, use the laser to burn into the cnc bit holder the feeds and speeds and what bit it is in the new holder you make on the cnc.

Shukran brother.. highly informative

First time I used the pass through is when the magic started. Surprised how it worked and well it worked.

Darn you! Now I'm thinking a stepcraft is the only way to go! It does both!!! LOL. And much more! Imagine if they had a router to laser automated tool head switcher. OMG! Ok, saving for the Stepcraft! Think I'll just buy a cheapy laser engraver in the meanwhile. Stepcraft setup I want will run into 5k by the time I'm done with the laser head and other accessories! GREAT VIDEO! Very good comparison. THank you!

I subscribed because of the Bon Jovi joke.

Both informative and entertaining, thanks!

What is the best tool for gold acrylic cutting